Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard ‘queried Liverpool future’ – Henry

New Liverpool owner
John W Henry has admitted some of the club’s top players, who include
Pepe Reina,
Steven Gerrard and
Fernando Torres, have confronted him about the direction the club is going and their own individual futures.

Henry, who bought the Reds from previous club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett last month, admitted he has been forced to deal with grillings from a number of the players in recent weeks.

The revelation comes shortly after widespread speculation that Reina will seek a move away from Anfield next year, and both Gerrard and Torres were linked with several other Premier League clubs during the summer.

‘We’ve dealt with baseball players and racing drivers at the highest level. Liverpool also have players at the highest level and they all want the same things – they want to win,’ he said.

Gerrard shows his disappointment against Stoke (PA)

‘I’ve met a number of our players and… the question they have asked, rightfully so, is whether or not the club is going in the right direction. They all want that.

‘I have been very forthright about our philosophy and about what we are going to try to achieve.’

Henry has also hinted the Reds, whose recent good form was ended by a 2-0 defeat at Stoke on Saturday, will not look to invest heavily in the team when the transfer window re-opens in January – despite their well-publicised struggles.

‘We have work to do and must invest in this club to improve it on the field, but can that be successfully done in January?’ Henry queried.

‘A number of people I’ve talked with doubt it. Most seem to think it will be the summer before we can really begin to improve.

‘The club has gone through a very difficult period and that period has not ended.’